American Idol Top 10 Women

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Wednesday, February 27, 2008

William F. Buckley (1925-2008)

The pioneer of political pontification. The dean of dogmatic dialogue and debate. He was the basis for what we today call Conservative talk. Rush Limbaugh credited him with being the reason he got in talk radio. He hosted the longest running Conservative television show "Firing Line."

A Whole Lot Of Shakin Going On

It didn't take long for Bruce Thompson to roll over and surrender. He didn't waste not one cent of the taxpayers money claiming to be innocent. He copped a plea soon as he went to court. But I'm not so sure if this deal is accepted. He didn't really get away scott free. He's going to do a year in a federal prison for $260,000 that we know about. In exchange for dropping the charges of extortion, which may have uncovered much more corruption. He pleaded guilty to mail fraud. I wonder does his plea bargain, let all the others reportedly involved off the hook as well? As quiet as this story has been kept in the media. I still feel the tremors. I noticed who he has as his attorney. He had Leslie Ballin with him when he made the plea. If this guy took a deal off the top. He knew Bruce Thompson was headed to jail for a long time.

Truth Is Timeless

I ran across this article written by columnist Rick Badie and thought though it was over two years old, it is relevant now. A positive post about our children is always a good thing.

December > 01 >

What is so ‘un-black’ about being intelligent?By RICK BADIE Thursday, December 1, 2005, 06:12 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Mandisa likes Abercrombie & Fitch, not FUBU.

She speaks proper English, not Ebonics.

She takes honor classes and belongs to the Beta Club and National Arts Honors Society at Parkview High. She plays the violin and has danced and sung in area productions of “The Nutcracker” and “My Fair Lady.”

Mandisa Surpris, a 15-year-old sophomore, is all this.

And she’s black.

Some of the other black students don’t know what to make of her. The way she dresses, the way she talks, the grades she earns. She’s an anomaly. To them, she’s more white than black. They’ve even told her so to her face.

“It’s the most ignorant statement I’ve ever heard,” Mandisa told me. “A lot of black students have the ability, but they think that being smart isn’t cool. So they hide it.”

She can talk about her experience now because she knows how to deal with it. That hasn’t always been the case.

Last year, the comments, slights and snubs took a toll. Mondays, the start of the school week, were especially tough. She’d complain of pain in her limbs. Mom and Dad took her to several doctors. Tests were taken and exams were given. Nothing.

Then, a doctor at Emory University wondered if her illness wasn’t psychosomatic. Something, he said, must be going on in Mandisa’s life that’s making her body ache. It was a breakthrough.

Mandisa, crying, had a heart-to-heart with Mom and Dad. She told them how some â€“ not all â€” black students treated her as an oddity because she didn’t succumb to their idiotic and destructive views of the black diaspora. My words, not hers.

“It was painful,” said Renald Surpris, her father. “Some black kids don’t have the education and understanding to accept people for who they are, not what they look like.”

I know what some of you are thinking. Here Rick goes again. Writing about race. Stirring up trouble. Critics say it all the time. I don’t care. I write about racial issues carefully and selectively, and sometimes, when I’m ticked off.

Like now.

My people, my people. Some of you disturb me. There’s something terribly wrong when black students â€” even one â€” at Parkview or any other Gwinnett campus criticize, ridicule and question the “blackness” of someone like Mandisa simply because she wants to excel.

It’s even sadder in this case because Parkview High is no ghetto school. Its student population doesn’t hail from lower-income apartment complexes and subdivisions. At Parkview, the parents and students consider their school the crÃ¨me de la crÃ¨me of public schools, the clientele upper-crust perhaps and at the very least middle-class.

So I blame parents. You black parents.

It’s your fault if your children think academic achievement is uncool, anti-black and pro-white. It’s your fault if your offspring are so enthralled with the so-called thug life that they devalue education, hard work and dedication.

And you’re especially to blame if your child’s sense of black culture means that you have to think and act a certain way, and that to do otherwise means you’re acting like whitey.

It’s your fault. And you’re crippling your kids.

Mandisa wants to pursue acting or a career in the fashion industry. She plans to attend college in New York, her birthplace. I’m sure she’ll be fine.

It’s the kids who ridicule her that I worry about. When they succumb to this crippling ignorance, we all lose. We’ll have fewer doctors, teachers, artists and more. Fewer people to be proud of.

Who Is Zooming Who

I couldn't figure out exactly why Kenneth Whalum Jr., is always making guest appearances on Mike Flemming's radio show. Mike is one of the most vocal voices against the school board, in this entire city. Largely because he commands the local airwaves three hours a day, five days a week. He suggests that they do away with the city school board altogether. Why this sudden meeting of the minds with Kenneth Whalum Jr.? Since he is part of that body too. Then I saw a cable program that featured the school board members and their latest developments. As much as Whalum seems to like the camera. He was suspiciously not there. I guess he is only interested in conducting news conferences by himself.

In the midst of the trouble this city is experiencing in the schools right now. The last thing we need is some renegade board member. Adding fuel to all these random wildfires. He himself is part of the board that Mike wants to do away with. How do you expect the children to do better when the adults are in error? His last two positions have been outlandish to say the least. His suggestion to shut the schools completely down was unrealistic and wouldn't have solved anything. I guess then crime would increase in the malls. The students spend more time at home than they do at school. As if that outburst wasn't enough. Saying only a black can serve as school superintendent is racist statement. Which, I notice Mike didn't take him to task about. The job should be filled by the best qualified candidate.

When these two are together they see eye to eye. When they're apart, they're fundamentally different. That's why I closely scrutinize anything they say. Both of them know the truth, even if they keep it to themselves. I think they use each other for their respective agendas. Who is zooming who? If you listen to everything these guys say. It might be you.

I Think I'll Pass On This One

Everyone wants to be with a winner. Now that the momentum seems to have shifted in Obama's favor. All these people who were publicly against him, all of a sudden think he's the next Martin Luther King. These people are just trying to get on his good side. So in the event he wins, there will be nothing standing in the way of looking for favors. I saw Jesse Jackson giving him a glowing review. While putting in a plug for his latest endeavor. The look of things to come.

Another Johnny come-lately has joined the growing endorsement list. Probably one of the most well known racist in America. I was wondering how BarackObama was going to handle this double edged sword. If he shrugs off the endorsement from Louis Farrakahn it will upset many in the black community. If he accepts it, he's going to lose the liberal Jewish vote. My mind went straight back to former late night television host Arsenio Hall. He went from being a household name to interviewing audience members at Globetrotter basketball games. My eleven year old doesn't even know who he is, or the status he once had. He lost his television show, taking a stand for Louis Farrakahn.

Obviously BarackObama remembered Arsenio Hall too. He cleared the air as soon as the word got out. He needs to stay as far away from radicals as possible. Rush Limbaugh and Micheal Savage and others of the like, were watering at the mouth. Every conservative talk show host I've heard today, made it their main topic of discussion. They knew this was political suicide in a national election. Someone said Farakahn just did it to be lowdown. He knew his support would cause a backlash for Obama. If that was his intent it didn't work. I guess Obama decided, I think I'll pass on this one.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

He Fell Even Lower

I heard Myron Lowery on the "Ben Ferguson Show" this morning, and I got a painful reminder. The eastern part of the city as he calls it, have a operative on the other side. I understand the need for unity, but the respective areas have different issues and concerns. Myron Lowery never directly answers a question. He just dances around and makes generalizations, never taking a definitive stand on anything. If he wasn't going to speak out one way or the other. Why did he come on Ben Ferguson's show anyway? It's very clear Ben Ferguson is anti- Herenton, Lipscomb and Bass Pro. He criticizes anything they come up with. Coming on WREC being a sound board for the haters doesn't impress me as being responsive . His constituents don't listen to that station as a whole. Why doesn't he make more of these question and answer sessions on WDIA? He has spent his whole career working with Robert Lipscomb in one capacity or the other. He should have some idea of the man's character and integrity by now.

I called and asked him a question like I did before. No matter how I broke it down, he claimed he didn't comphrehend. He finally directed me to the city council's office. As though it was me who didn't understand. They answered it with no problem. Then I remembered our last telephone discussion. He didn't really answer any questions then. I think the problem was; he was anticipating what I might ask him next. The city council staff shouldn't be able to answer any questions the councilman can't answer themselves. But they were.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Adultery Always Ends In Tears

This issue of adultery has always been around dating back to the days of Jesus. I heard somebody make the comment earlier "adultery always ends in tears." They said it was an old saying. But I never heard it before. I agree with that statement, but it raises another question. Is adultery and fornication the same? In the time and context in which it was written. I think that they are for all practical intents and purposes. Let's look at the two:

Adulteryconjugal infidelity. An adulterer was a man who had illicit intercourse with a married or a betrothed woman, and such a woman was an adulteress. Intercourse between a married man and an unmarried woman was fornication. Adultery was regarded as a great social wrong, as well as a great sin. The Mosaic law (Num. 5:11-31) prescribed that the suspected wife should be tried by the ordeal of the "water of jealousy." There is, however, no recorded instance of the application of this law. In subsequent times the Rabbis made various regulations with the view of discovering the guilty party, and of bringing about a divorce. It has been inferred from John 8:1-11 that this sin became very common during the age preceding the destruction of Jerusalem. Idolatry, covetousness, and apostasy are spoken of as adultery spiritually (Jer. 3:6, 8, 9; Ezek. 16:32; Hos. 1:2:3; Rev. 2:22). An apostate church is an adulteress (Isa. 1:21; Ezek. 23:4, 7, 37), and the Jews are styled "an adulterous generation" (Matt. 12:39). (Comp. Rev. 12.)Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

Fornicationin every form of it was sternly condemned by the Mosaic law (Lev. 21:9; 19:29; Deut. 22:20, 21, 23-29; 23:18; Ex. 22:16). (See ADULTERY.) But this word is more frequently used in a symbolical than in its ordinary sense. It frequently means a forsaking of God or a following after idols (Isa. 1:2; Jer. 2:20; Ezek. 16; Hos. 1:2; 2:1-5; Jer. 3:8,9).Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

If you notice the two aren't that different. In biblical times the term fornication mainly pertained to patronizing prostitutes. Seldom do we see someone go out and kill someone who they only had a random encounter with. Even if a john visits the same prostitute over and over again, he understands that's not his woman. So that takes me back to my original statement. Adultery always ends in tears. If you are involved in a relationship, where one of the participants doesn't know about all the others. That is an adulterous relationship. Going to the topless bars and picking up streetwalkers on Lamar or Elvis Presley is fornication. Anytime you have sex, and don't rest afterwards. You're partaking of forbidden fruit. Getting the definitions right, helps sort it out to some degree. I think we can safely say "adultery always ends in tears."

The Power Of Words

Let me go on record as saying I believe the "Willie Lynch Letter" is a hoax. Hindsight is 20/20 as you can see from the reaction to this letter by people today. Anybody with common sense could look around at the actions of black people in America since 1964 and construct the same writing based on history. This letter was more someones perspective as opposed to a prophecy. This letter has less to do with slavery than it does the mental bondage of some people today. Read it for yourself.

Gentlemen:I greet you here on the bank of the James River in the year of our lord, one thousand seven hundred and twelve. First , I shall thank you, the gentlemen of the of the colony of Virginia, for bringing me here. I am here to help you solve some of your problems with slaves. Your invitation reached me in my modest plantation in the West Indies where I have experimented with some of the newest and still the oldest method for control of slaves. Ancient Rome would envy us if my program is implemented. As our boat sailed south on the James River, named for our illustrious KING JAMES, whose BIBLE we CHERISH, I saw enough to know that our problem is not unique. While Rome used cords or wood as crosses for standing human bodies along the old highways in great numbers, you are here using the tree and the rope on occasion.I caught the whiff of a dead slave hanging from a tree a couple of miles back. You are losing valuable stock by hangings, you are having uprisings, slaves are running away, your crops are sometimes left in the fields too long for maximum profit, you suffer occasional fires, your animals are killed, Gentleman,...You know what your problems are; I do not need to elaborate. I am not here to enumerate your problems, I am here to introduce you to a method of solving them.In my bag, I have a fool proof method for controlling your slaves. I guarantee everyone of you that if installed it will control the slaves for at least three hundred years. My method is simple, any member of your family or any OVERSEER can use it.I have outlined a number of differences among the slaves, and I take these differences and make them bigger. I use FEAR, DISTRUST, and ENVY for control purposes. These methods have worked on my modest plantation in the West Indies, and it will work throughout the SOUTH. Take this simple little list of differences and think about them. On the top of my list is "AGE" but it is only there because it starts with an "A"; The second is"COLOR" or shade; there is INTELLIGENCE, SIZE, SEX, SIZE OF PLANTATION, ATTITUDE of owner, whether the slaves live in the valley, on a hill, east or west, north, south, have fine or coarse hair, or is tall or short. Now that you have a list of differences, I shall give you an outline of action- but before that, I shall assure you that DISTRUST IS STRONGER THAN TRUST, AND ENVY IS STRONGER THAN ADULATION, RESPECT OR ADMIRATION.The black slave, after receiving this indoctrination, shall carry on and will become self-refueling and self-generating for hundreds of years, maybe thousands.Don't forget you must pitch the old black VS. the young black males, and the young black male against the old black male. You must use the dark skinned slaves VS. the light skin slaves. You must use the female VS the male, and the male VS, the female. You must always have your servants and OVERSEERS distrust all blacks, but it is necessary that your slaves trust and depend on us.Gentlemen, these kits are your keys to control, use them. Never miss an opportunity. My plan is guaranteed, and the good thing about this plan is that if used intensely for one year the slave will remain perpetually distrustful.-WILLIAM LYNCH-1772

The letter above is one of the major problems of the African-American race today. And with this knowledge we as a race can and will over come. So with this letter still in your mind I ask that you enlighten someone else and send this letter to as many brothers and sisters. We as a race must start somewhere in learning our problems what better place than the document that started the destruction of our MOST POWERFUL RACE!!!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Raul Castro Officially Takes Over

In an expected move. Raul Castro was selected as president of Cuba. He succeds his older brother Fidel Castro, who has stepped down after almost fifty years. The 76 year old newly appointed leader has held the position of first vice president for the last forty nine years. Every since the communist government first became the ruling pa. I would think he is familiar with what his brother has been doing all this time. Nothing much is expected to change. The new guard will have to wait a little longer. I don't think there will be any sweeping changes persay, but I do expect some to take place eventually. To prevent a civil uprising, if for no other reason. The working people are tired of trying to stretch less than $20 a month.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Obama - Clinton = McCain

I was watching Senator Obama in an interview he was doing with Tavis Smiley. This was the first time I saw him on what I thought was even footing. Usually the setup is swayed either for or against him. Hillary Clinton was on the same show just before he was. I sort of felt sorry for him, because only at that moment I understood his unenviable position. He has to try and please everyone. A black man is not allowed to have a solid set of values and principles. He can't just pick a side and stay there. If you suggest personal responsibility. Blacks consider you a sell-out. They expect a black president to do something specifically for blacks. If that were to happen, whites would consider him a racist. Every move he makes is going to be looked at under the microscope. Just like he is promising everyone something now. Whatever he does that pleases some voters, is going to make others mad. You can't take a stand on immigration, for fear of upsetting the Hispanics. You have to be against the war, even though your supporters aren't enlisting. We all want to be rich, but that's unrealistic. If either of them is elected. He or she will do it without my vote, I don't support either of them. Having said that, if by chance a Democrat wins. I would support Obama.

I have said from the beginning, either Obama or Clinton receiving the Democratic nomination only assure us of another Republican president. That was looking less and less likely. Until the Democratic front runners started after each other. The Republicans have been split over getting behind John McCain, but lately that has changed. Thanks to the "New York Times" bringing up a four year old rumor. They may have given John McCain's lifeless campaign the jolt it needs. The Democrats have enough drama of their own. For some reason the media refuses to ask Mr. Obama the serious questions. It seems nobody wants to be perceived as being the one that's picking on the black man. This politically correct atmosphere has allowed this man to almost secure the nomination. It's a do or die situation for Mrs. Clinton. She's not but a state or two away from being out of this thing. He may as well start getting used to answering those tough questions. Believe me, the Republicans have plenty.

The one who benefits from all this the most is John McCain. I believe if Hillary Clinton loses. Some of her supporters will switch over to John McCain. Him and Hillary Clinton are closer together, than they are apart. Michelle Obama has already said she wouldn't support anyone but her husband. So if Barack doesn't win that means she won't be voting. I think she represent a lot of his supporters. Either way there's going to be a party split. BarackObama minus Hillary Clinton equals John McCain.

Fidel Castro's Dark Reign

For almost the last fifty years, Cuba has been under Fidel Castro's communist reign. America's dirty little secret has been quietly locked away. Castro stepping down could have more implications than you think. Many Americans seem to forget or just don't know how Fidel Castro came into power in the first place. The notion of "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Has it's origins in Cuba. Wealthy Americans desire for gambling, drinking and Cuban cigars. Made Cuba like the original "sin city" until Las Vegas was invented. The only catch was controlling the six million Cuban citizens that were part of the package. Then there was Fidel Castro. The charismatic revolutionary that allowed America to wash their hands of the mess they created. Soon that neat little package may be coming unraveled.

Fidel Castro's younger brother Raul has been in charge for over a year now. Since failing health has caused Fidel to hand over control. Now that he will officially retire. The United States and the rest of the free world won't be uncertain what he might be doing. They'll be watching his brother Raul. It poses the same dilemma it always has. No one is expecting much to really change. That remains to be seen though. The human ego is a funny thing. Raul Castro might not be content just following in his brother's footsteps. He might want to leave a legacy of his own. Having a communist country less than 100 miles away, could be a nightmare not so far away. Could we be soon to face the light on the darkness of Fidel Castro's reign?

Friday, February 22, 2008

Is Ericson A Modern Day Schlenker

I have been listening to Greg Ericson for two days give his spin, on the sale of the Pyramid. Ben Ferguson must be on this guy's payroll, he has his home,office and cellphone number on speed dial. Whenever he wants to talk about the city and Robert Lipscomb being on the take, he calls this guy to verify what he says. I'm in favor of looking at all the plans and doing what ever is best for the city of Memphis. It is painfully obvious that Ben Ferguson is running interference for the Ericson's plan on his show. Then we have Steve Mulroy on the county commission There are things about the Bass Pro deal that don't sound right. But Ericson's proposals has some holes in it as well. As I was listening to him talk, I couldn't help but think about Sidney Schlenker. He came in the same way, and sold this city on the Pyramid.

Experience has taught me. That anything that sounds to good to be true, usually is to good to be true. This Ericson plan sounds to good to be true. It is every concern and expectation all wrapped up in one. We have known the future of the Pyramid for seven years. Where has the Ericson group been all this time? Robert Lipscomb insists that they can't get any proof of financial backing on this group. I think this plan should be checked very closely. What has happened is the group has had seven years to plug in all the holes. I trust Robert Lipscomb's judgement. He has a track record in this city. Let's not be so quick to kick Bass Pro aside. They have stores in operation all over the country. The Ericson proposal could be nothing more than a well developed business plan. Is Greg Ericson a modern day Sidney Schlenker?

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Pieced Together

No pun intended but all the pieces were right there in the victim's own house. James Hawkins has been charged with the murder and dismemberment of his live-in girlfriend Charlene Gaither. As it turns out he was the one who called the police and reported her missing to begin with. I guess it's wishful thinking to expect these killers to tell the truth once they get caught. He claims he didn't kill her, but he was responsible for decapitating her and removing her hands and feet. Like that story makes any sense to anyone with a brain. I bet he got this bright idea from the "Mickey Wright" case. That's like hiding the guns and burning the victims' automobile when their shooting was self defense. All the prosecutable crimes committed may have occured after the fact. Had any of these defendants called the authorities before they did what they admitted to. They might not be in trouble now.

As if this story could get any worse. There is yet another nasty turn to this case. For the accused party's sake, I hope this isn't true. It is rumored that the couples twelve year old daughter was used to help dispose of the body. I can't see a father putting their own child through something like this. But I can't see cutting off another person's head either.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Even Swap, No Swindle

When talking about the sanitation workers, that might sound insensitive and callous to some people. Unless of course, you talk to someone who has a complaint about their service. Yet you still have to separate the sanitation worker of 1968 and those of today. When Martin Luther King Jr. came to Memphis and marched. He didn't die for garbage collectors to half do their jobs. The attention to the plight of the sanitation workers was needed at that time. Their working conditions were cruel and inhuman. That's not the case now though. To right all the contract wrongs, they would have to start all over. I'm sure the workers don't want that to happen. They would have to go to the table and deal with 2008 issues. Now the citizens have some grievances themselves.

I can remember when the men went in your backyard twice a week pushing those three wheel carts. The people had to use those 30 gallon trash cans. My family had three of them. Now they come once a week and we have to put our containers on the curve. If you need two you have to pay an extra fee. Everything you want picked up, better be in the can. Don't dare put a piece of trash in the recycling bin. They won't pick it up at all that week. Strangely back then it was cleaner after they left. Sometimes the garbageman leaves as much trash behind, as he picks up. Don't have just a limb or two, that doesn't warrant attention. Don't have too much, they'll leave it for a month. If they want the support of the taxpayers, they should be more service oriented. It would be easier to get behind them, if they were doing a good job.

Let's be realistic here for a moment. Picking up trash is not a skilled position. You don't have to stay up late at night preparing for tests. The only thing that's required is a desire to work and a strong back. Which based on performance, some workers have lost. Sanitation workers can't make $50,000 a year. They now work four hours a day and get paid for eight. That's a pretty good perk, if you ask me. In essence they have part-time jobs. This is a prime example of the damaging effects of a union. They were good in their day, but that day has passed. The members of old sold out the well-being of the members of the future. Those workers who agreed to that are no longer affected by their decision. They took the cash then, the workers are paying it back now. Even swap, no swindle.

The Top Two Teams Will Play

If at no other time during the season, this Saturday teams #1 and #2 will meet. I'm not so sure when it's all said and done (NCAA), either of these teams will be the big winner. I think the weakness displayed against UAB, won't get past the sweet sixteen. Somebody is going to come along with a true center, and the ability to hit free throws in a crunch. I think that will be the undoing of the "University of Memphis." But we'll cross that bridge when it comes.

Now let's enjoy our #1 ranking and the possibility of a undefeated season. If we get past #2 Tennessee it's almost done. They are the only real competition left on the regular season schedule. Any of the other teams beating them would only be a fluke. That's not impossible though. I think UAB gave them the scare they needed. I think the fire has been lit for the rest of the regular season. I thinki they will beat Tennessee and go on to be undefeated. At least I hope.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Men, Don't Turn Your Back

To bad Tina Turner didn't remain in Tennessee, she could have killed Ike and never missed a beat. A man's life doesn't have much value these days, especially if his mate accuses him of spousal abuse. Tina had one thing none of these women have had lately. She meets the burden of undeniable proof. She had been hit in public and had the scars to prove her victimization. Monique Johnson was found guilty of reckless endangerment, for the shooting of her boyfriend Tony Hayes. Though she was the one keying his car. I knew she wouldn't be sentenced to death, but at least I thought she would be locked up for a while. She could be released the same day she goes to court for sentencing. The charge only carries 2 to 4 years at the most. The extent of her incarceration could end up being her time already served in jail. Like I said when Mary Winkler received her verdict. " This chick got away with murder."

I just wanted to add this because I think it played a part in the jury's decision. Take a look at Monique Johnson the woman. Even after being locked up for over a year, she still looks pretty good. The jury was made up of five men and seven women. I don't even know how old they were. But supposedly they were a jury of her peers. In addition to believing she was a victim of the battered woman's syndrome. I bet they all thought she was an above average looking female. As I watched the victim's family after the verdict was read, I couldn't help but feel their pain. I bet someone told him," this pretty woman is going to be the death of you." The jury was looking at this woman, and they couldn't see her stalking him. Inn spite of evidence to prove otherwise. She made them think it was the other way around.

Friday, February 15, 2008

That's The Deep End

If I didn't know Janis Fullilove personally, I would be getting a big kick out of this. I don't agree with her politics, but I still hate to see her get dogged out. Thats exactly what happened to her yesterday. Mike Flemming and his callers tore her a new one. In all honesty, thats not a very hard job. Considering some of the positions she takes. When her arguments are faced with an opposing view. They don't hold up very well. If all you talk to are people who agree with you, you don't get much practice. Mike is on the pitch three hours a day, five days a week. Against others on their game as well. Just like any other human he has emotions and preferences.But unlike many voices in our community, he doesn't let that get in the way of the facts. Unless of course it's pertaining to Mayor Herenton.

My suggestion is she needs to change party affiliations. It doesn't matter what kind of rod and reel you have, if you don't have a hook. Janis is passionate no doubt, just about the wrong things. Some people aren't impressed with her speaking skills and command of the english language. Sometimes I think she gets caught up listening to herself. WREC is a long way from WDIA and WLOK. You can call over reacting compassion all you like. The Conservatives see it as a sign of weakness. Another reason among many, not to support Hillary Clinton. Though I hate to see a woman cry. The tears don't move them over there. Someone who I seldom agree with, gave her some good advice. "You better stay away from those white folks over there, they don't like you." I don't know if I would go that far. I don't think it's based on race. I would just say that's the deep end. Don't go over there without your hip boots.

Slow But Sho

Until this woman was made known to the citizens. It was a reason for racist to say that justice is one sided. People seemed to be more concerned with who this woman is, than justice being served. Regardless who she is, one officer was injured and the other killed. It has long been rumored that she was both white and drunk. It doesn't matter whether she was or not. Today she was indicted.

I don't know how these things usually work. Why didn't they arrest her the night the accident happened? Nonetheless they have her now. Read the link:

Need I Say More

Thursday, February 14, 2008

She Got What She Deserved

Kathryn Bowers was sentenced to sixteen months in prison today. Followed up by two years of supervised probation. If it were left up to me , they could've thrown the book at her. The only reason I don't say her sentence was light, is because it's in line with the others who were found guilty. I think she is a key element in Memphis politics being the way it is now. She is not the only one who was stealing, but she just got caught. I won't bother to name the others since they haven't been charged. She was one of the initial points of contact for the whole thing to begin with. John Ford got more money than her, but she introduced E-Cycle to him. Her and her group of bandits have been on the public's tit for years. It's time they got caught. I can remember Ms. Bowers helping herself at the public's expense since I was a youngster. She has always been involved in one sham or another. She has a history of peddling her influence to provide services she was elected to do anyway.

Happy Valentines Day

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Eighteen And Out

One of the last school shootings involved a nineteen year old man. He shouldn't have been in a regular school anyway. They won't let children start to school if their birthday falls after October of that year. So why let adults continue to go to go to school after they're eighteen years old? Grown people shouldn't be allowed to sit in class with our children. That could have a lot to do with why teachers can't tell them anything. Teachers and their students can go to the same bars.

I Was Very Impressed

Today I had the priviledge of talking to what I feel is a "mover and shaker." I say that because some people have the enviable ability to draw people to action. Make them take a look at themselves and iniate a change. Much like Barack Obama has done in the caucuses so far. They can convince others to put their money, not where their own mouth is. But where they suggest it's most beneficial. When someone exhibits this and acknowledges where it comes from, "to God be the glory." Today Mearl Purvis proved not only to be a pretty face, but a spiritually driven woman as well.

Since we're being honest here, let's get it all out in the open. Every woman listening won't be a Mearl Purvis by any stretch of the imagination. She is the exception serving as the example. Her rise to stardom is by no means cookie cutter. If that was the case, Bev Johnson would be an anchor woman too. Being that she inspired Mearl back at "Jackson State." She even mentioned the Hollywood effect, and its affect on newsrooms across the country. That might have been the one time in her interview she appeared a bit conceited. Not that that's bad, she's only human. It's not bragging if it's the truth. If they have the intellect, they don't have the looks. If they have the looks, they don't have the intellect. In all honesty, more than not, they don't have either one. But they still have a purpose in God. As perfect as her life appears to be now, she has had her problems too. We all fall in one of three categories. "We're coming out, going through or headed for a struggle." She brought forth a message that all men and women needed to hear. In all that you go through. The one thing you can always do is pray.

I like Tyra Banks more than I do Oprah Winfrey. Though I dislike the same thing about both of them. That just illustrates how your appearance can open doors for you. Not that Oprah is ugly or anything, just not as pretty as Tyra. If you look like a booger bear, it's going to be harder to build an audience. Unless of course your message is detrimental to those who listen. I mainly just like to look at Tyra herself, she sure is sexy. Though I seldom agree with her positions or views. In all the times I've seen both of them on camera, I've never heard either of them say anything about their belief. They take every chance they can to name drop, and kiss somebody's behind. Oprah making sure white women feel enpowered, and Tyra pretending homosexuality is okay. To listen to either of them talk, it seems to be all about them and their worldly circle of friends. Ms. Purvis didn't come across that way. I was very impressed.

Monday, February 11, 2008

What Do We Do About Guns In School

We have had two shootings in Memphis city schools in the past seven days. I know this is an anxious time, but let's not do anything impulsively. One of the school board members suggested the extreme measures of closing down the schools immediately, until metal detectors can be used at all the schools everyday. I think that's a little over the top. All schools don't even have this issue anyway. It sounds good , but it doesn't do anything to solve the problem. It's not as much about sneaking guns in the schools, as it is why one child would shoot another? They won't catch each other at the school, it'll be in the mall. It's about what's convenient. If we get rid of guns, they'll start using shanks. Some of these schools are like minimum security prisons. Unfortunatly instead of all would-be trustee students. There are some solitary confinement candidates in there too. Eight hours out of the day, the child is a ward of the school. Parents can't control the classroom from another location. We have to adapt a no tolerance policy to get the schools back in line. We already know who did the shooting. Let's not waste time with trials and procedures. We need to enforce it in and out of the schools.

Sheild Or Sham

Personally, I don't agree with his methods or tactics, but we live in a society that doesn't necessarily do background checks. Thaddeus Matthews is someone who has achieved somewhat of a spokesman status among a certain group of people in Memphis. He's like a local Al Sharpton without the processed hair. I commend him on the success and amount of attention he has been able to attract to his radio show and blog. Considering the fact that he seldom if ever backs his innuendos up with proof, the comments he makes gets the public's attention. More than once he has started a rumor or taken one and ran with it, only to vacate the rubble in the aftermath. In another time and place this guy might have been a threat. In the day of the internet, and everyone having access to much of the same information. This guy comes across as being a rebel who created his own cause.

I have nothing to do with how the law is being administered here, but this is one the D.A. should take to court. This case is as good as any to define what the "shield law" does and does not allow. I for one don't think people who call themselves the media should go unchecked. There is a thin line being exploited here. The gray area differentiating journalism from gossip is being put in question here. When they're really two totally different things. Certain rules have to be followed by any responsible journalist. You can't just say whatever sounds good, or whatever gets the most hits. So much for slander suits and defamation of character. The advent of the blog erases those parameters to a degree. It's supposed to be a log of one's personal thoughts. In many ccases they've become like the national news sources. When you have thousands of people reading what you write like a book, or listening to you. That carries a certain amount of responsibility too.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

All Or Nothing

This, "my way or the highway mentality" isn't working for the Republicans this go round. It seems as though they've gotten spoiled and totally abandoned the spirit of compromise. The past twenty years have pretty much been controlled by Republicans. If not in the oval office itself, in the house and senate. That's why the American voter is so receptive to the message of change. Anything they don't like can be construed as happening under the Republican's watch. Whether fair or not, Republicans get the blame for all the ills in society. Not letting the Republican party off the hook. They have their shortcomings too. Just not the sinnister villians, liberals paint them out as being.

I'm not a Republican, but I have Conservative leanings. Which causes me to agree with them on matters of policy more than not. But, I'm not so sure about what's happening now. I think they have painted themselves in a corner. In the beginning they were so critical and foreboding in regards to Rudolph Giuliani. They got rid of him, but look what they got instead. "Mr. Straddle the fence" himself, John McCain. They tried to force Fred Thompson down the public's throat, but they didn't bite. His long awaited arrival turned out to be much-a-do about nothing. His campaign never caught on fire. Now instead of sitting back watching the Democrats scratch and fight for position. They have a probable party nominee, that the party base doesn't support.

Out of 3140 delegates John McCain has 723 commited to him. A broken convention is less and less a probability at this point. Mitt Romney is holding 286 delegates hostage with his suspended canidacy. With 1138 left it's possible, but very unlikely that Mike Huckabee can win. He insists that he's not running for a vice president slot. But why not? When you look at the realistic possibilities. I don't think that's such a bad idea. At one time I shared his optimism, but that has dwindled somewhat. I have given this thing a lot of thought, and come to this conclusion. It's obvious the Republicans aren't going to get all they want. Why not change their gameplan before they end up with nothing.

Friday, February 08, 2008

Don't Write A Check

It might take a while, but the truth will eventually come out. What goes around comes around. Some of the citizens couldn't seem to get it through their heads that the D.A. didn't have a case against Dale Mardis. He might have been a foulmouthed racist, but that in itself wasn't a crime. If Dale Mardis had remained quiet. They would have had to eventually let him go free. The only proof they have, even the evidence they're using to charge him with a hate crime now. They got it directly from his mouth. He let his mouth write a check, his behind couldn't cash.

" Shoot The Mayor"

This is why I always say some of these people need to start being prosecuted for sedition, on both the local and federal level. You let them walk around long enough like a ticking time bomb. At some point they're going to explode. Harming those people around them. People have the right to freedom of speech, but you can't yell fire in a crowded building. If your personal freedoms impose on the reasonable rights of others in the community. You don't have the right to hold civility hostage. This idea that people can be as disruptive as they have the nerve to be, has gotten out of hand. Charles Lee "Cookie" Thornton is a prime example of a situation that should have been nipped in the bud. When I say nipped in the bud, I mean never allowed to get a reputation. It's like those people bragging about having done time behind bars. This wasn't even the second time, they had experienced his antics. One of my favorite sayings from the president, would've worked just fine in the town of Kirkwood Missouri. "We don't negotiate with terrorist."

When I heard what his brother said when they interviewed him. I was thinking to myself, " okay his brother is off his rocker too." To make matters worse than that. I heard their mother speak today. It's as though they think he was justified. The mother echoed the statements of her son. I don't know exactly what it was, but it couldn't have been that bad. There was something about 150 tickets he had received, but it hadn't killed him. We can't say that about his latest encounter. Talking about Charles showed them, doesn't amount to a hill of beans. Had he asked someone other than his immediate family. They would've advised him that rushing the council meeting shouting " shoot the mayor." Wouldn't change anything, except the date of his own death.

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Take One For The Team

It may boil down to one of the frontrunners stepping aside for the good of the country. The focus has switched fom beating Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, to beating John McCain. Concern for the good of others, is of the utmost importance here. The Democrats have done a masterful job of causing distention within the Republican ranks. Neither Mike Huckabee or Mitt Romney can beat John McCain by themselves. He already has more delegates than both of them combined. If one of them steps aside and supports the other, those true conservatives stand a chance of getting their selection in the White House. Otherwise we are sure to get a Democrat in the oval office. I know it takes a big man to accept that he might not be the one who gets the call. All of these people still in the race, obviously have their own base of support. One of these candidates needs to be the bigger man here, and take one for the team.

Super Tragic Tuesday

What was being called super Tuesday for the rest of the country, turned out to be just the opposite here in Memphis. While voters across America went out and cast their votes for their chosen candidates. The Mid-South was under seige by funnel clouds and straight line winds. Scores of homes and businesses were destroyed. So far on record 59 people have been killed and over 150 injured just in Tennessee alone. It was the worst storm in twenty years. I don't know about the other states but I know it affected the primary results locally. In Arkansas,Mississippi and Tennessee it kept quite a few voters away from the polls. Especially among the Democrats.

Sunday, February 03, 2008

He Needs His Butt Kicked

It's ironic that he would be taking a picture with who I think should be intervening at this point. I always ask the same question when I see Paris Hilton acting a fool. Where in the world is this girl's father? The most loving thing these daddies could have done, is take their children to the wood shed more often. The main thing children like these have going for themselves is their last names. Their only accomplishment thus far in life is spending their daddy's money. Joran Vander Sloot the dutch student has managed to stick his foot in his mouth once again. The investigation was closed, until he opened his mouth. If he did in fact commit a murder, no better for him. But if he didn't like he claims, he needs to be quiet.

A dutch talkshow host claims to have the evidence to put Joran away. Guess where he got it from? He got it from Joran Vander Sloot himself. Talking too much, like he seems to have a habit of doing. He told someone in what he thought was a private conversation. That he had someone dispose of Natalee Holloway's body. When confronted with his goof. All he could say was " this makes no sense." I must say I agree with that whole heartedly." And it's all his own fault. In my humble opinion. He needs his butt kicked.

The Story Unfolds

I have been watching this story to see how it turns out. I don't take everybody's account as truth. I'm partial to dealing with facts. I had a sneaky suspicion there was more to this story than meets the eye. As it turns out, it was just like I thought. It seems his murder was connected to a burglary at his house that took place earlier last summer. There were suspicions of this from the start. As it turns out all leads went right there with a bullet. The first news story I saw mentioned it specifically.

According to statements, the wife knew the killer too. I also was wondering where his wife was when the whole thing was happening. Seems like she would have been home that time of night. Initially I figured the wife was involved, for the insurance money, I know she's going to get. Turns out he has a new, younger wife that was at work herself. She is a policewoman with odd hours also. She had just spoken to him over the phone prior to his murder. So if she needed one. That alibi checks out. I think he was worth more to her alive than he is dead. So much for that angle.

An arrest was announced Sunday, less than a week after the murder happened. I knew it wouldn't take long, twenty-seven thousand dollars was raised for information leading to the killers arrest. For that kind of money, no one better know about your crime but you. If anybody knows they're going to sing like a bird. Which by the way, no one collected the money in this case. Eighteen year old Dexter Cox, who was one of Lt. Vidulich's neighbors. He lived within shouting distance of the victim. He has been charged with the crime after he was found with the officer's gun and also gave a confession. He is claiming it was self defense. According to his statement," the victim came at him wielding a knife." The next question I would have is " what were you doing at his house anyway?" It seems like him and the officer had some lefthanded dealings going on under the table. It appears there was supposed to be an exchange of money for something stolen in the break-in. Which bordered being a crime itself.

The inciters are already out in full force. They claim this young man actually has a case for self defense. For once I wish we were on the right side of something. It would be easier to understand somebody's viewpoint if they weren't robbing someone or commiting a crime themselves. In the commission of a crime you give up your rights. It looks to me like a case of extortion gone bad. Because he claims to have had pictures to prove questionable behavior. Has nothing to do with him being charged with murder. They're going to hang this young man out to dry. Unfortunately he's either very dumb, or calculating like Chief Godwin said. If his angle works he might get life in prison, as opposed to the death penalty. To me this is a no win situation for all involved. Those who have taken up this young man's cause aren't helping him. All publicity is not good publicity. In both instances this is a waste of life. I guess that's how the story unfolds.

Friday, February 01, 2008

Done Deal, Or Not

After being empty all this time, the Pyramid finally has a tenant. The first mistake the city and county made was allowing "University Of Memphis" out of their lease. Once they did that, the Pyramid became a pink elephant. The arena was initially built for them, and with the hopes of attracting a pro basketball team. Only to discover after it was built, it didn't meet NBA qualifications. Yesterday officials announced that Bass Pro Shops had signed a developement deal for the purchase of the arena. I knew eventually whatever happened would be somewhat of a tradeoff. It left the city between a rock and a hard place. I remember Steve Cohen came to Memphis with the idea of Pro Bass Shops before he was elected congressman. I wrote a blog about it then. See what I said: http://indepcons.blogspot.com/2006/01/whats-going-on-with-pyramid.html

It would seem there would be dancing in the street, but there isn't. Some of those same people that follow Congressman Cohen blindly, are now complaining that this proposal isn't fair to blacks of his district . They don't see how someplace they will probably never visit, benefits them. Thirty million from one hundred, looks like a profit. I bet he won't be talking about this in his monthly newsletter. Where were these naysayers at, when the building was empty? Or better yet, when the congressman brought up the idea? Now it's left up to the city council and county commission and the respective Mayors. After a visit to the headquarters in Springfield Mo., all the members seemed to be impressed. All things considered. I think Bass Pro Shops is the best solution on the table. I hope this doesn't get bogged down with racial posturing, and blacks feeling slighted by whites. Even though I don't have a boat and don't go fishing. I'll be glad when we know whether it's a done deal or not.